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ICAST Review 2008
Posted on: Aug 01, 2008
Posted in: News From Chris
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Well, the annual ICAST Tackle Show in Las Vegas is over and Eagle Claw had a great show. We saw all our friends from around the industry and introduced some cool new items. Check out this bunch, it’s not everyday you get three top TV guys together at one time - by the way, I’m the short guy on the end!
Most of these new items will be in stores in the spring, but I thought I would give you a sneak peak at a few of the top things now.
Hooks
As you probably know, weighted worm hooks or swimbait hooks are hot right now. Our hook was the talk of the show and got everyone excited. One of the top Pros in the world, Shaw Grigsby, came by and gave us some great feedback on this, his new favorite hook.
Nitro Bait
We showed off some cool new scented plastic baits - Spikes and Wax worms. These are going to be hot for the trout and panfish markets as well as ice fishing. These micro size “Bugs” are loaded with our Factor X2 scent and pheromones and fish just can’t resist ‘em. They come in some great new colors including a glow.
Rods and Reels
One of my favorites this year is a new ready-to-fish fly combo. This setup is ready to go with a lightweight reel, 3 piece rod, line, backing and even flies. It is perfect for the person new to the sport and ready to catch fish right off the shelf.
Wright & McGill
Our new fly reels are already in stores and making waves in the fly industy. With a model for the guys called the Dragon Fly and a matching reel for the ladies called the Damsel Fly, these reels are a steal for the money. Lightweight, unbeatable drag and one piece aluminum construction make them a top choice.
Talk to you soon,
Chris
Wounded Warriors Event - Thanks to our freinds in the armed forces
Posted on: Jul 08, 2008
Posted in: News From Chris
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I received a great letter from John Whitlatch, one of our Pro-Staff members from Alaska. I just had to share it. John has worked hard on an event known as Wounded Warriors in Alaska to honor some of the people that have served our country in Iraq. John has done a great job putting in long hours to make this event possible and we are glad to be a part of it. Here is John’s story:
Eagle Claw recently joined with the Kenai River Professional Guide Association to honor some of our brave men and women from the armed forces. On a beautiful June morning Alaska guides and Eagle Claw Pro-Staffers John Whitlatch, Jerry Strieby, Josh Hayes, Jim McCormick, Billy Coullette, Bo Ansel, and Craig Offret, along with 34 other professional guides, shoved off from the dock at Harry Gaine’s Lodge on the Kenai River with 126 soldiers that had recently been wounded while fighting in Iraq. It was the culmination of many months of planning and the highlight of the two-day event.
The soldiers arrived in Soldotna from Ft. Richardson Army Base in Anchorage, Alaska. That afternoon the festivities started with retired General and current President of the University of Alaska, Mark Hamilton, serving as the master of ceremonies. After a short invocation and color guard presented by the local VFW, we served up a special prime rib dinner complete with Alaskan prawn skewers prepared by master chef Scott Eggermeyer. To keep everyone entertained during their meal, world famous singer, song writer, performer and Alaska’s very own balladeer, Hobo Jim, played some music for us starting with the National Anthem. Over 200 people stood, hand over their hearts and sang along ending with a thunderous applause and many teary eyes. It was a sight to behold and one that I will never forget.
After dinner and the Hobo Jim concert, it was off to bed for an early 4:15 a.m. start to fish the Kenai River for the mighty King Salmon. In the morning the soldiers were greeted with a hot breakfast served under a large tent on the riverbank. Then we loaded up and spent the next 8 hours fishing for trophy King Salmon. As luck would have it, the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game opened the river to bait that day. Fishing was hot and heavy for the first couple of hours as these fish had never seen bait before. Many nice Kings were taken during the early morning hours until the bite finally started to taper off later in the day. I have been fishing the Kenai for years and could not ever remember seeing as many smiles as I did that day.
Eagle Claw Pro-Staff Manager, Marty Riddle, was on hand from Denver to personally shake every soldier’s hand and thank them for their service. Marty and I spent the day in my boat cruising up and down the river visiting with all of the soldiers while they fished. We heard some amazing stories, ones that we will never forget, and we made a lot of new friends. A common theme that stood out was how much it meant to these men and women that we would go to so much effort to provide an event like this for them. We simply told them that Eagle Claw is an American company and that it is a privilege to honor some real Americans.
Upon returning from fishing, we had a huge BBQ waiting with fresh Salmon and bratwurst as the main course. Mark Hamilton again served as the MC for the awards ceremony under the big tent. Every soldier received a prize during a random drawing. Colt provided 3 each .45 cal. Colt Commander Pistols along with a single action Colt 1850. Alaska West Air provided an Alaskan Brown Bear hunt, and Ninilchik Charters donated a Black Bear hunt just to name a few of the prizes that were given away. Marty Riddle even gave up the Wright & McGill Storm jacket right off of his back to a young soldier who was admiring it.
I would like to personally thank some people that were especially helpful in making this event happen. Dave Goggia was the chairman of the committee and personally responsible for pulling it all together for the guides association, Mike Fenton, president of the guide association and Jerry Strieby, an Eagle Claw Pro-Staffer, who also served tirelessly on the committee to make this event a success. Kelly Hanke from the Kenai River Sportfishing Association, who without her professionalism and expertise in putting together large events such as this, it just would not have been possible. Rueben Hanke for providing the facilities at his lodge to host the event and of course Eagle Claw. Without your generous support and leadership in starting this program last year, none of this would have been possible. And to all the other volunteers, military staff, and supporters that are too many to list, thank you.
Sincerely,
John Whitlatch
Eagle Claw Pro-Staff
Reel Adventures
World Class Salmon and Trout Guides
For more info and additional photos check out Alaska State Elks website
Chris
Happy 4th Of July
Posted on: Jul 03, 2008
Posted in: News From Chris
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Here at Eagle Claw the 4th of July takes on a little more meaning then with some other companies. Since we still make every fish hook in Denver Colorado and our colors are Red, White and Blue we just love this holiday!
I wish you and your family the very best this 4th of July, enjoy the long weekend and get out there, explore the outdoors and catch a big one. If you do, send me a photo or enter our online photo contest at www.nitrobait.com for your chance to win a Cabelas gift card
Wright & McGill Fly Rods are the BEST under $300.00
Posted on: Jul 01, 2008
Posted in: News From Chris, Wright & McGill
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For the second time in a row the verdict is out. For a high quality fly rod under $300.00 no one beats the Wright & McGill rods.
Just published in Fish and Fly Magazine is their review on 8 wt. fly rods with W&M number one by a wide margin! Last year we won with the 5 wt. and taking top honors again this year shows our ongoing commitment to the quality we build into every W&M rod we make. And if that is not enough, every one of our fly rods comes with a lifetime warranty.
But don’t take our word for it. Take a look at the attached images straight out of Fish and Fly Magazine.
Wright and McGill rods are available in many local fly shops as well as online retailers.
Eagle Claw Pro Staff Wins Again
Posted on: Jun 20, 2008
Posted in: Hooks, Lazer Sharp, News From Chris
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Bill and Julie Kunzeman Eagle Claw’s Top Catfish Pro Team Won at this years Bass Pro Big Cat Quest in Paris Tennessee. As a husband and wife team from Illinois they travel all over the country chasing the big cats.
Bill and Julie won this event using the Eagle Claw SF400 Starfire rods and Lazer Sharp 8/0 circle hooks.
Great Job on the first place win!
Wright & McGill Ladies Fly Fishing
Posted on: May 21, 2008
Posted in: News From Chris, Wright & McGill
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I talked to Al Noraker, the brains behind our Wright and McGill line of products, about a great event he just conducted - a “Ladies Let’s Learn Fly Fishing” program here in Denver. This is the story Al told me.
This was the second “Fly Girl”, ladies fly-fishing class I’ve held at the local Bass Pro Shop here in Denver. The classroom sessions included topics on equipment, fly presentations and rigging, casting and even an introduction to fly tying. At each session we promised that, if they attended at least 3 of the 5 classroom sessions, they would be invited to spend a day on the water.
Our on the water day finally arrived and just as you might expect from an early spring day in Colorado, the weather did not cooperate. We decided to head off to famous Spinney Mountain Reservoir. The weather turned really bad even for the Rocky Mountains as a huge cold front with high winds moved into the area creating less than optimal fly fishing conditions.
Even with very tough conditions, these ladies were not going to cancel this trip. Temps were in the low 20’s but the wind made it feel like a January ice fishing day. I jumped out of the truck and climbed into my waders as quickly as possible. Not only to cut the wind but to take away any doubt that we weren’t going to do this fishing thing. The wind was blowing a solid 30 mph with gusts much higher, it was just flat cold!! After a quick group shot to remember the day, we were off on the first fly-fishing adventure for most of these ladies.
The long walk in helped get he blood flowing but we were now partially protected by a small hill and the wind really wasn’t bad here. Seemed like a good place to start fishing! We had already decided to use a still fishing technique from our classroom sessions. We would suspend small emerger patterns or scuds under a strike indicator and wait for the take. We spaced everyone apart along a few hundred yards of shoreline and began fishing. These gals had learned so much in a short period of time and they were already very good casters. However, the wind was getting stronger and making it VERY difficult to get long accurate casts to where I felt the fish would be cruising. I was so impressed with their determination. There were already big macho types that were scrambling back to the warmth of their vehicles as other ladies kept working the fly lines. They wanted to catch fish SO bad! I moved up and down the bank to offer any help that I could.
Hours went by and no fish. I was so bummed but the wind was getting worse and the ladies were freezing. I finally gathered up the ladies and made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. I told them how proud I was of their determination and the fact they stayed out in conditions that I would not normally fish in myself. I said, “we can keep on fishing or go to my cabin, build a big fire and have lunch”. As much as they wanted to catch fish, I only had to offer the fire and lunch one time. As we packed up and headed back to the cars, I could see the happiness on each face. They had learned something new and if they could fish in these conditions, just think how much fun they will have on a warm summer day casting to rising trout. This will all seem like a distant memory then. Cheers to my Fly Girls, I was very proud of them and I hope to see them on the water many times this summer. Great job ladies!
If you are interested in signing up, contact Wright and McGill for the next class this summer. You can reach us at info@eagleclaw.com or 720-941-8700. Ask for Al or Chris.
This story even comes with a happy ending. Anna, one of the Fly Girls, would not be stopped by a little weather. A few days later she went back up to Spinney, determined to find her first big trout on the fly. I am happy to tell you those classes paid off! What a great first fish. Based on that smile, I think she is hooked!
Hot New Swimbait Hooks
Posted on: May 09, 2008
Posted in: Hooks, Lazer Sharp, News From Chris
2 Comments »
If you have not heard all the talk of swimbait hooks and the great new baits to go with them, you need to get out more. A few companies have hooks like these on the market but none better than the one from Lazer Sharp.
These cool new hooks have a weight positioned on the shank making them swim perfect with the new, thick body baits. We also added a one of a kind barbed keeper to the front for easy, straight running, rigging that no other hook maker offers. Add to that a huge gap for the biggest of baits plus a side turned eye and a Lazer Sharp point and you have the best swimbait hook - period!
These bad boys are available in 3/0 thru 7/0 and you can get ‘em in a 3 pack or assortment kit with extra goodies included like a free sample of Nitro Grease.
This new technique is being used by top pros in the Bass, Walleye, and Saltwater markets across the country. The best thing about them - they catch all kinds of fish and are easy to rig and use. Our team has been testing them in the field with great results and I can tell you first hand this system works.
Give them a try - now available at Big 5, Dicks, Cabelas, and Bass Pro plus local retailers across the country.
Chris
Ladies Lets Go Fishing Event
Posted on: Apr 23, 2008
Posted in: News From Chris
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Hey everyone!
I just talked with Betty Bauman about the latest Ladies Lets Go Fishing event in Florida; man was she excited about it!
“Ladies came from as far away as Massachusetts to learn fishing South Florida style at the 11th Annual “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” seminar. Almost 50 women spent their weekend learning saltwater fishing and conservation skills at the seminar, held in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The seminar offered a welcome reception, fishing classes and hands-on instruction.
The seminars utilized several “hands-on” fishing exercises on Saturday afternoon, such as spin casting, net casting, knot tying, putting bait on hooks, conservation, boat handling, backing a truck and trailer and reeling against pressure. After the half day fishing trip on Sunday, the event concluded with a fish fillet demonstration. A highlight of the trip, described as an ‘adrenaline rush’, was a 60 lb. golden amberjack caught by a team of ladies aboard Lady Pamela,” Betty told me.
Comments from participants:
“Great for women who don’t have someone to fish with!” - D. Carstensen, Parkland, FL
“Enthusiastic leaders, non-threatening, lots of info!” - D. Day, Jupiter, FL
“Great way to get your feet wet!” - M. Daily, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
“I signed up to learn and definitely did. Instructors were patient and lived up to the ‘no-yelling’ slogan.” - J. Johnson, Hollywood, FL
“Skill stations exceeded my expectations!” - I. Ricciuti, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Great job ladies. I hope to see you out on the water again soon!
Chris
Up the Creek with a Paddle
Posted on: Apr 06, 2008
Posted in: News From Chris
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Hey Everyone, It is not every day you get a canoe paddle straight out of the Amazon rain forest. What a surprise it was for me when I returned from a business trip to find one sitting on my desk.
Eagle Claw works with organizations all over the world helping people to get out and fish more. In this case the group is the Grace Church in Arvada, Colorado who in turn take missionary trips with the Chayahuita Indians in Northeastern Peru. The folks at Grace Church take Eagle Claw hooks to the Chayahuita every time they visit. These people do a lot of fishing and can always use some top quality equipment. When returning from the last trip, they brought back a hand carved paddle as a show of appreciation.
Eagle Claw is proud to be a part of this effort and help supply American-made fishhooks all over the world. The paddle from our new friends is proudly on display in our marketing department.
Chris
Eagle Claw Pro Staff guys are Everywhere!
Posted on: Mar 27, 2008
Posted in: News From Chris
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This has been a busy month for the EC Pro Staff team!
At the 1st FLW tournament on Lake Toho in Florida, Chris Elliott, one of our favorite pros, weighed in the top weight on day two with 19 lbs. 1 oz. Chris finished 15th overall in the event for the Screamin’ Eagle Team and is on his way to Lake Wheeler for the next FLW tour event.
Blair Wiggins and his son Drayden fished their first ever Redfish tournament recently in Punta Gorda, Florida. Drayden was able to cash a check at his first tournament for 2nd place on biggest fish. Not bad for a rookie. Nice job showing up Dad as well! Keep up the good work.
Our Pro in Arizona, Ron Johnson, had a big day on the water as well. Ron was able to finish 1st overall and 1st in the big fish category fishing Lazer Sharp hooks in his latest tournament event out west. That is the way to start the season!
